One dead and thousands evacuated when a fire is spread in France

An elderly woman has died and another person is missing after a massive fire went through parts of southern France, destroying homes and forcing thousands to escape.

The woman was killed in her home, seven firefighters were also treated for smoke inhalation and one person was still missing, authorities said. Two people are in hospital, one of whom is in critical condition.

The blaze erupted on Tuesday near the village of La Ribaut in the Aud area and has already burned more than 13,000 hectares (50 square miles) – an area larger than Paris – which makes it the largest fire in France this year.

More than 1,800 firefighters maintained by 500 vehicles were located in the area.

The main affected villages are Lagrasse, Fabrezan, Tourissan, Coustouge and Saint-Laurent-de-La-Cabrerisse.

Authorities say the fire is progressing quickly, driven by strong winds, dry vegetation and hot summer weather.

Jacques Piro, mayor of the village of Jonquières, where at least four burned houses, told Le Mond that about 80% of the village were burned.

“It’s dramatic. His black, trees are completely charred,” he said.

The images show blackened, burned cars, and people were sitting on the beaches of three hours, where thick black clouds were still visible.

“This is an unprecedented crash,” firefighter spokesman Eric Brocardi told RTL Radio.

At least 25 homes have been destroyed and more than 2500 households are without electricity. Authorities have closed the roads throughout the region and have warned that it is still too dangerous for residents who fled on Tuesday night to return home.

President Emanuel Macron expressed his support for firefighters and local X, saying that all state resources were mobilizing. He urged the residents to follow the evacuation orders and to exercise “most cautiousness”.

Prime Minister Francois Bayro is expected to visit the affected area later on Wednesday.

Lucy Riche, Secretary -General of the Aud area, said firefighters were watching the perimeter of the fire to prevent new outbreaks. She said, “The fire progresses in an area where all the conditions are ripe so that it can progress.”

The region has become increasingly vulnerable in recent years due to the lower rainfall and the removal of vineyards, which once helped to delay the spread of fires.

Although the planes are launching water bombs on the flames, Roiche warned that the fire “will keep us busy for several days. This is a long -term operation.”

A combination of low rainfall, high temperatures and vineyards removal – which once helped to act as natural fire solutions – created to deteriorate the conditions of fire in Aude.

Scientists have long warned that rising hot and dry summers of the Mediterranean put the region at a high risk of heavy fires. According to the Emergency Management Office in France, nearly 15,000 hectares (57.9 square miles) have burned throughout the country this summer with more than 9,000 separate fires. Aude Blaze now reports the huge majority of damage.